If you are a veteran (or your loved one is a veteran)

From Telecare's President & CEO

Anne Bakar, Telecare President & CEO

Like many around the world, we were shocked and saddened to learn of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain’s deaths by suicide. As two beloved figures of popular culture, news of their deaths prompted an outpouring of support and shed light on the fact that mental illness can affect anyone. It does not discriminate.

Their deaths have also raised awareness about the many resources available right now for people who are considering suicide, or who are having a hard time and need compassionate support. Help is available. There is no need to face hard times alone.

For those of us who’ve worked in behavioral health for decades, these recent suicides also highlight the dramatic changes needed in our country’s mental health systems. It is unacceptable that suicide rates are increasing despite advances in evidenced-based treatment.

This is a public health crisis, as well as a social and cultural issue, in terms of how we relate to each other as human beings.

We must be willing to have difficult conversations to find better solutions. We must look at wide ranging issues such as the deterioration of family and community support structures, the influence of social media, stagnating opportunities among the middle class, lack of resources to break down stigma, and barriers to treatment such as the lack of parity. The list goes on.

At a minimum, we must make it easier for people to speak without worry or shame, so people do not suffer alone needlessly for so long.

Today, we take a small step to address this tragedy with a list of resources that are in place and can be accessed easily.

Ultimately, we must strive to change the trajectory of this disease. Please join us.

It does not need to be like this and it is time to end the suffering. Let the profoundly sad loss of these two individuals spur us to toward a future of greater help, hope, and compassion.

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Help and Love from Others Who've Been There

Other people have gone through dark times, as well, and have shared their stories to offer hope, strength, understanding, and encouragement.